Britain could drift out of the European Union unless the bloc tackles its serious problems, British Prime Minister David Cameron had planned to say in a speech on Friday that was postponed due to the Algerian hostage crisis.

The long-awaited address, scheduled to be delivered in the Netherlands, was expected to outline how Cameron thinks Britain's relationship with the EU should change - a move that many fear could backfire and leave Britain increasingly isolated in Europe.

Analysts said the address, shaped by downward economic trends in Britain, may further marginalize the country instead of boosting its role in the bloc as expected.